SEMA 2016: 2016 Jeep Wrangler Sahara Unlimited Name Change

A while back, we named our build Project Azul (Link).  The original thoughts were to find a name that would be more of a Blue Archangel.  Thinking I could make Azul work, it usually took some explaining on the name.  Most people just saw Azul = Blue and moved on.  After some conversations, some people felt that Azul was kind of plain or basic.  So after much thought, the name has been changed to Azrael, also known as the Angel of Death.  " Archangel Azrael's primary angelic responsibility is to assist those who are making the transition from physical life to spirit life.  Azrael ensures that the transition process is painless and effortless as well as offers safe passage to those who are transitioning, lovingly guiding them to their heavenly home." (All Thing Healing.)  The Hebrew name translates to "One Whom God Helps." - Wikipedia

Although Azrael's typically associated with the color purple, more specifically Amethyst, he's also listed as a Blue Blood Angel or Sangre Azul.  (Sangre Azul listing)  That just solidified my quest in finding the right name.  Azrael is tough.  Not a bringer of death but a comforter in dark times, which jeep owners know, driving a jeep can bring a sense of happiness. :D  After much more thought, the name Azrael seemed to just fit. Read more

SEMA 2015: 2015 Ford F150 - Brutus > Atlas Suspension and Icon Vehicle Dynamics

To ensure the proper driveability, we partnered with Icon Vehicle Dynamics and Atlas Suspension to finalize the suspension setup.  Outfitted up front is the IVD coilovers with reservoir shocks.  In the rear are the IVD 2.0 reservoir shocks.  So gorgeous.

Finishing up the support for the rear is the Atlas Suspension leaf pack.  These things are STOUT. Just viewing them suspended without a load was impressive.  After completing the suspension, we couldn't wait to get the truck on the ground.

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SEMA 2015: 2015 Ford F150 - Brutus > Bulletproof Suspension

As with all builds, you got to go big.  We discussed within the shop whether we would do a 6.5" or jump up to the 10-12" lift that Bulletproof offered.  It was unanimous to go big or go home.  We put in the phone call to Bulletproof Suspension, and it was on.  We really wanted to accent the suspension to highlight the products that were offered by Bulletproof, so we decided on a red powdercoat.  After its arrival, the red just didn't match.  At no fault to Bulletproof, we just weren't specific as to which red to powder coat.  Turns out this red had an orange hue, and with so many shades, we decided it would be best to redo the powder.  We went back and forth on if we should go red or choose a completely different color.  It was decided that a red suspension would be an overwhelming amount of red and to keep the red as an accent color rather than a main color.

So it went back up to vote on a color.  I typically have a standard.  No more than 3 colors on a vehicle.  I believe that any color after 3 is just mucking it up.  So after hours and hours of browsing, we decided on a somewhat neutral gray.  However, it has some speckles of pearl in it to give it a bit more shine.  This still gave us the goal of highlighting the lift and yet not overwhelming the build with red.

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SEMA 2015: 2015 Ford F150 - Brutus > Headlight Switchbacks

Just in time for the build, Diode Dynamics announced the release of its switchbacks for the new F150.  Boy were we excited.  As a dealer for Diode Dynamics, we stay updated on its most recent products.  Their mustang switchbacks are just stunning, and when this announcement was made, we had to have them.

We love everything about these.  The lighting is perfect and is one of the first features pointed out when seen at night.

Usually we do our own headlight builds.  However, with the time frame this year, we found it best to sublet the work to another company.  We were referred over to Retroshop LLC, and after a few moments of talking with Jeremy, we gave it the green light.  The correspondence, updates, and shipping process was flawless and top notch.  Everything you'd want from a company that you're sending a product to for modifications.  We received the headlights and couldn't be happier with the results.

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SEMA 2015: 2015 Ford F150 - Brutus > Buffing Aluminum

After a job like this with multiple layers of paint, we needed to make sure the paint was smooth.  We didn't want you to notice all the lines and layers that were put into it.  Of course, that's what a quality build is about, making it look factory.  We didn't keep track of the hours, but let's just say that there was a lot of careful time in wet sanding the clear coat smooth.  

There area  few things we learned during this process.  It takes a LONG time to buff aluminum.  See, what happens when you buff is that the clear coat heats up, thus basically levelling itself.  However, not only does the clear warm up, but also the metal beneath.  The issue we had here was that it took a lot longer for aluminum to warm up.  So we had to be very careful to continue to warm the aluminum but not so much that we overheat the clear and burn through it.  This was a long and slow process. The end result was stunning but required many unexpected hours to achieve the perfection this build demanded.

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SEMA 2015: 2015 Ford F150 - Brutus > Paint Part 3 - Warrior Stripe Final

The final layer before clear coat is Candy Apple Red.  Over the Kosmic Krome, this layer really stands out.  In the shade, it's not noticed.  But in the sun, it's like a slap in the face, and we love it.  It took several tries and spray outs to find the right one.  We even tried the Raspberry and it just didn't have the stand out qualities that we wanted.

After we decided on the color and the proper layers to get the hue we wanted, it was time to get down to business.  The Krome and the gears have been laid.  It was time to rock the red, and layer up the clear.  

 

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SEMA 2015: 2015 Ford F150 - Brutus > Retrax Bed Covers

Retrax has been a partner on almost every SEMA truck build we have done.  They are by far the best bed covers on the market.  Their strength, rigidity surpass others.  There are no rattles while driving, and operation is always smooth.  

Retrax released their MX Series, and we are thoroughly impressed.  The gloss still had the potential to fade and get spiderwebs just like paint does.  The MX series provided a nice rugged look, matches our matte finish on the plastics, and just overall had the look of quality.  The cost is a little more, however, it's worth every bit of the extra.  We suggest opting for it every time.  The cover seals and channels water perfectly.  

(As you can see, we installed this on a rainy day.)

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SEMA 2015: 2015 Ford F150 - Brutus > Fab Fours Vengeance Series Bumpers

So many bumper manufacturers and designs have started to pop up.  The difficulty sometimes is working out a partnership agreement on products that flows with the other products on the build.  We try bring all the parts together so that the overall build represents everyone well.  

Fab Fours released their Vengeance Series bumpers not long after our initial renderings.  We really liked this bumper.  It wasn't bulky.  It didn't stick way out.  Yet it still provided the aggressive and rugged look we sought after.  A phone call was made and as they say, the rest is history.

We asked that the bumpers be sent raw.  We wanted all our powdercoat textures to be consistent. Even in raw, these bumpers looked amazing.

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SEMA 2015: BedRug's 2015 F150 XLT - Grille

For starters, we've installed several overlay grilles, replacement grilles, and cutout grilles.  By the looks of it, it appears this is a cutout.  That's not the case.  The grill was real easy to install.

The 2015 Grilles are a 2 piece construction.  The grille that is visible is actually an outer shell.  The inner component has fins and motor, and is what physically attaches to the truck.  The grill attaches to this piece.

To install, remove all the plastic push tabs from the cover.  Near the latch release, you'll see 2 plugs. Undo those and using a panel popper, pull up the push pin that holds the wires/plugs onto the top.   There you'll remove the 4 bolts that hold the top of the grille in.  There will also be 2 bolts on each side about 3/4 down.  Since we already had the headlights out, this was super easy.  I'm not sure if you'll need to have the headlights removed to gain access to these bolts.  If you do, you'll spend more time removing and reinstalling, then you will actually swapping the grilles out.

Once removed, look at the inside of the grille.  You'll find all the nuts that need to be removed to detach the grille from the assembly.  When done, just reverse the process.  I'm sorry we didn't take pics during this process, but T-Rex does provide a nice instruction booklet to go with it.



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SEMA 2015: Bedrug's 2015 F150 XLT Build - Lift

For this build, Skyjacker sent their 6" lift in silver powdercoat and King Shocks sent their blue anodized reservoir shocks.  Since we would be utilizing some of the same bolt locations, we went ahead and installed the nFab Radius bumper while doing the lift.

The lift was first laid out and inventoried. Design and presentation was beautiful on by all parties. The powdercoat was nice on the lift.  The anodized blue on the shocks were beautiful.  We couldn't wait to dig in and start putting the lift on.

For the curious minds, we did notice a few differences on the 2015 model vehicles.  On previous models, the lower control arm were assymetrical.  (Typically one side was thinner than the other.)  The 2015 models are the same on both sides.  We also noticed that the axle nut in the center of the hub is also larger.  Not sure why the design changes with Ford, but those are two things we noticed.



Nitto sent 35x12.50 20 Trail Grapplers to wrap around the 20" BMF BATL wheels.  I admit, I wasn't too sure on the wheels at first.  Seeing them in person is a whole different thing.

To help with braking, Powerstop sent rotors and pads.  Pretty cool setup, if you ask me.

After getting all the components on, we moved onto the nFab Radius bumper.  If you're looking to install one, there is a little bit of work involved.  As simple as it seems, the bumper and shock reservoirs utilize the same bolts and location.  So having to align 3 parts into a frame hole and onto a nut was a challenge.  Also, the way it was designed, a secondary mount for the nFab bars, require being mounted to the OEM cross member.  So if you're looking to do the same setup, make sure that the lift isn't installed prior to installing the new crossmember.  After it's all said and done, it's definitely a beautiful combo.

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